# hellfire

/ˈhɛɫˌfaɪɹ/ (US) · /hˈɛlfaɪə/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hellfire
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a very powerful and destructive weapon or attack. It is a strong way to describe something that causes a lot of damage or fear.

For teachers: a powerful, destructive, or intimidating weapon or attack. Often used metaphorically to describe a situation of extreme danger or intensity.

## Examples

- The new missile system is a hellfire for the enemy.
- The pilot released a hellfire missile that struck the target with incredible precision.
- The general's strategy relied on a hellfire of artillery to break the enemy's morale before the infantry could even advance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.